Zes sloepen 1953

This photographic print called ‘Zes sloepen’ was made at an unknown date by an anonymous photographer. The image is all about texture, from the still water in the foreground to the detailed rendering of the boats, the pier, and the buildings in the background. The composition is interesting, too. The boats are all lined up, almost like ducks in a row, creating a rhythm that's both calming and a little bit eerie. The photographer manages to capture the stillness of the water while suggesting movement and depth. The eye is drawn from the boats toward the background where you can see the dark and looming mass of the warehouses. It reminds me a bit of some of the German photographers from the early twentieth century, like August Sander. Their work was about capturing the essence of a particular time and place. Ultimately, like all good art, this piece embraces ambiguity, and invites us to bring our own perspectives and experiences to it.